M4 overbridge A432 Badminton Road to close after ‘cracking’
The A432 Badminton Road over the M4 between Yate and Bristol closed at 7pm on Wednesday, July 12 until further notice.
Engineers say they have discovered "structural failures" and "cracking" in the bridge's underside.
As a result, the highways agency stated that a "full assessment of the structure" was required and that the road would be closed until the investigation was completed.
Cyclists and pedestrians will still be able to access the bridge as normal.
But drivers are being urged to prepare for delays and follow diversion routes.
Drivers are advised to use the following diversions:
- Northbound via the B4465 Westerleigh Road up to A46 and into Yate via A432
- Southbound in reverse
National Highways is also encouraging all traffic to use the A420 and A46 for Yate from the Hicks Gate direction on the A4174, and motorway users to use the M4 junction 18 for Yate, rather than the M32 and A4174.
National Highways Route Manager Sean Walsh said: “We fully understand closures are frustrating, but we can reassure drivers that safety is and always will be our top priority.
Engineers say they have discovered cracking in the A432 Badminton Road M4 overbridge (Image: Google Maps)
“That is why we are carrying out this essential and complex investigation work under a full closure for the safety of those using both the bridge and the M4 below.
“We’ve been communicating with local businesses, stakeholders and South Gloucestershire Council and other local authorities to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.
“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and ask those travelling in this area to please allow additional time for your journeys.”
While the bridge is owned and maintained by National Highways, the A432 it carries over the M4 is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s road network.
South Gloucestershire Council cabinet member for communities and local place, Councillor Leigh Ingham said: “We understand the technical challenges faced by National Highways with this essential investigation work to ensure the safety of their bridge.
“We are supporting National Highways with the diversion route, working as quickly as we can to put the appropriate measures in place.
"The National Highways bridge is a critical part of the South Gloucestershire network, and we will continue to work closely with them to minimise the disruption this work will create.”
Constructed in 1966, the post-tension (steel cable reinforcing tightened after the bridge concrete has been poured) designed bridge is a main artery between Yate and Bristol, with principal inspections every six years and general inspections every two years.
It is rare for National Highways to see structural failures like this though some components, such as bridge expansion joints, fail from time to time.
Most failures that do occur are as the result of external factors such as flooding and accident damage.
The government-owned company has a programme of structural inspections, investigations and assessments to ensure that substandard and potentially vulnerable structures are identified, safeguarding measures adopted, and maintenance works are implemented.